See what's new at Kings Island
MASON – Kings Island spokesman Don Helbig has a message for park enthusiasts this season: Come for the thrill rides, stay for the food and family attractions.
The Mason amusement park's world record-breaking roller coaster Banshee will continue to be the biggest draw this season, Helbig said. The $24 million ride became the world's longest inverted steel coaster when it debuted last year.
But Helbig says the park's new family rides, eateries and menu items will appeal to park-goers of all ages.
Kings Island opens for its 44th season on Saturday. Here's a look at what's new this year:
NEW RIDES
Kings Island's 14-time award-winning kids' park will see two new additions this year. Woodstock Gliders is a high-flying scooter ride that features eight two-person planes that soar 28 feet off the ground while rotating freely. Riders can move a front wing back and forth to control the intensity of their ride. Snoopy's Space Buggies features six four-seat vehicles that bounce up and down while rotating in a circle. The rides are located next to each other in Planet Snoopy. Opening May 21 is Snoopy's Petting Zoo, an attraction featuring 60 live animals in the kids' park.
Helbig said the new rides were added after guests asked for more family rides.
"Kings Island's always been about families; it's just been that summer tradition that families have always done," he said. "Even though we have the big roller coasters, we've always been known as a family park."
NEW FOOD
Kings Island officials say they want the park's dining experiences to be just as memorable as its rides. Tempting tastebuds this season is a new Jack Daniels burger at the Reds' Hall of Fame Grille, marinated chicken tenders at the Chicken Shack and small tacos at Hank's Burrito Shack.
International Street will see a makeover, including a relocated Starbucks touted as the largest Starbucks in the Tri-State and fifth largest in the nation. The 3,650-square-foot shop is two to three times the size of an average Starbucks location and offers indoor and patio seating, park officials say.
Guests can get their funnel cake fixes even faster this year with an expanded funnel cake eatery on International Street. The enlarged shop offers a cafeteria-style line in which guests can choose from a variety of funnel cake toppings, like warm blueberry and apple, toppings, fresh strawberry glaze and hand-scooped ice cream. Also making its debut on International Street is the Sweet Spot candy store, where park-goers can watch workers making fudge and candy through large glass windows, and Yogurt Plus, offering 18 different flavors of frozen yogurt and toppings of choice.
NEW NAVIGATION
It's easy to get lost in Kings Island's 364-acre park. Now, new digital Wayfinder kiosks located at six locations throughout the park will help you find your way. The large interactive touch-screen kiosks allow guests to plot their park routes, get information on rides and attractions, see live social media feeds and check on current ride wait times.
The park is also rolling out a new park guide and map. Unlike its traditional folded-style maps, the new map is more streamlined in a single page to allow for easier navigation. The park has also replaced its Show Guide with a Times Guide that provides information to help you plan your day at Kings Island, including park operating hours and best locations to watch the nightly fireworks.
NEW SHOWS
Two new shows join Kings Island's entertainment lineup this season. Let It Rock, a music revue featuring the songs of Journey, Foreigner, Bon Jovi and Aerosmith, among others, debuts April 18. Off The Charts premieres June 12, featuring an eight-piece live band, singers and dancers performing today's hottest hits and yesterday's classics. Also returning this year is Down Home Country, a music act from 2008-2009 featuring songs from country legends Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers.
MILESTONES
White Water Canyon carries a warning for riders: You will get soaked on this attraction. Designed specifically for Kings Island, the raging river rapids ride made a splash when it debuted in 1985. Nestled in a densely-wooded area inside the park's K.I. & Miami Valley Railroad, White Water Canyon has since given nearly 29 million water-soaked rides. The ride's record year was 1986, when more than 1.7 million rides were given.
IF YOU GO
When: Kings Island opens 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Saturday. The park is closed Sunday for a private event, but opens on weekends starting Friday. Daily operation begins May 8. Times vary, see website for details.
Where: 6300 Kings Island Drive, Mason
Tickets: $61.99 at gate; $44.99 online. Season passes start at $108.
Information: 513-754-5700; www.visitkingsisland.com
